Page 451

Rewind

Inquiry

Puzzlement

Recognition

Surprise

Shock

Stunned

Acceptance

Autumn? Is that really you?

She comes forward, hand

extended toward my face.

Suddenly I don’t want her

to touch me. I don’t know why

not, except you don’t let strangers

touch you, do you? I step back.

Annoyance shadows her eyes.

So much for imagined reunions.

NOW IT IS HUNTER

Who rescues me. Autumn,

he says matter-of-factly. I always

hoped we’d meet one day.

Come in. It’s cold out there.

The house is full of people.

Thank goodness I’ve had a little

practice lately being around

a mob of not-quite-family. Lots

of introductions. Two aunts.

One uncle. A great-grandfather.

Another grandmother. Marie.

Three brothers. And my mother.